Question

Separation of grain from the chaff can also be done by ______
A. Only by threshing
B. Cutting
C. Both A and B
D. Winnowing

Answer 1

Hint: The separation of grain from the chaff is an important process of harvesting. This can be done through various methods like hand picking, Sieving, etc. The main purpose is to remove impurities from the grains and to get useful products.

Complete answer: Winnowing is used by farmers to separate husk particles which are lighter from heavier seeds of grains. This method can also be used to remove pests from stored grain. It is done by throwing the mixture into the air so that the wind blows away the lighter chaff. The heavier grains fall back down for recovery. This method is called "wind-grading". Other methods of practicing winnowing include using a winnowing fan (a shaped basket shaken to raise the chaff). Yet another is using a tool (a winnowing fork or shovel) on a pile of harvested grain. Winnowing can also help in the natural removal of fine material from coarser sediment by wind or flowing water. This is similar to separating the wheat from the chaff.
Whereas threshing is a process in which the edible part of the grain is loosened up from the straw to which it is attached. It is a step also involved in grain preparation after reaping. It doesn’t remove the barn from the grain.
Cutting is reaping of crops after they are fully grown. It involves the detachment to plant crops from the field, threshing, and winnowing are the following steps.
Hence, the correct answer is option D.

Note: When the industrial revolution took place, the winnowing process was mechanized by the invention of winnowing machines, such as fanning mills. This reduces much of the manual work.